Maxine Waters denied entry at LA detention center, criticized by DHS
A high-ranking Homeland Security official has strongly criticized Rep. Maxine Waters for spreading misinformation about the nature of the riots and for attempting to gain entry into a detention center to visit a detained union leader.
DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin stated in an interview with Fox News Digital that access to the Los Angeles detention facility had been temporarily restricted in order to ensure the safety of both detainees and uniformed personnel. This decision was made as Waters rushed towards a group of guardsmen entering a plywood-protected door to the building over the weekend.
Despite identifying herself as “Congresswoman Waters,” the guardsmen denied her entry and advised her to speak with “public affairs” before closing the door. McLaughlin clarified that Waters was not allowed access due to safety and security concerns for DHS personnel, ICE agents, and those in custody.
McLaughlin also addressed Waters’ behavior towards armed guardsmen on the streets, where she asked if they intended to shoot her. She emphasized that Waters’ actions were not helpful in de-escalating the violent riots and that she should focus on diffusing the situation instead of provoking law enforcement.
In response to Waters’ claims that the riots were peaceful, McLaughlin refuted these statements, highlighting instances of violence directed towards law enforcement officers, property damage, and other destructive behaviors by rioters.
Waters had also accused President Trump of instigating the violence and criticized his decision to federalize the California National Guard without informing Governor Gavin Newsom. McLaughlin urged Waters to cease her dangerous rhetoric against ICE law enforcement and to call for an end to the violent targeting of law enforcement in Los Angeles.
In a statement following the incident, Waters defended her actions, stating that she visited the detention center to check on David Huerta, a detained SEIU leader. She denounced the use of weapons against peaceful demonstrators and emphasized the importance of protecting constitutional rights through peaceful protests.
Despite Waters’ assertions, the DHS spokesperson emphasized the need for elected officials to act responsibly and refrain from inciting violence. Waters’ confrontations with law enforcement and armed guardsmen were deemed unnecessary and counterproductive to resolving the ongoing riots in Los Angeles.
Fox News Digital reached out to Waters’ office for further comment, but she could not be immediately reached. Charles Creitz is a reporter for Fox News Digital, covering media, politics, and culture. He can be contacted at charles.creitz@fox.com.
